Early nutrition, particularly breas...

Early nutrition, particularly breastfeeding, may modify the risk of obesity later in life. The consequence s of previous studies of the forces of breastfeeding on obesity have been inconsistent. Owen and colleagues performed a systematic review to determine the length to which breastfeeding affects a person's risk of developing obesity in later life.

The authors build 61 studies measuring weight differences in formula-fed versus breastfed infants, with 28 of these reporting unadjusted left over s ratios. Overall, breastfed infants were les likely to become obese than formula-fed infants, regardless of the age at which the issue was measured. Small studies showed stronger associations between breastfeeding and reduc risk of obesity. In the six studies in which it was possible to adjust for confounding factors, the benefit of breastfeeding was reduc from an remainings ratio of 0.86 before adjustment to 093 after combined adjustment. The protective purport of breastfeeding over obesity was stronger and more homogenous in four studies in which initial feeding assemblages exclusively breastfed. The effects also were more pronounced when breastfeeding lasted pair or more months. In studies that considered at associations rather than providing actual singles ratios, breastfeeding was unrelated to obesity; however, these studies minded to be small.

The authors determine that in studies reporting quantitative estimates, breastfeeding has a consistent beneficial import on subsequent body weight. From a pathophysiologic standpoint, breastfeeding may bring into operation its influence by affecting adipocyte disclosure and fat deposition, as well as modulating calorie and protein intake and insulin secretion. However, nutritional studies in infants are observational, which limits their value. Also, the purport of breastfeeding seems to be markedly attenuated when adjusting for lower socioeconomic status and maternal obesity. Publication bias favoring an efficiency may skew the findings. More evidence upon the relationship between breastfeeding and obesity is needed

CAROLINE WELLBERY, MD

Owen CG et al. result of infant feeding on the risk of obesity across the life course: a quantitative review of published evidence. Pediatrics May 2005;115:1367-77

COPYRIGHT 2005 American Academy of Family Physicians

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